We’re eager to connect and partner with you this 2024-25 school year in support of your children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. You can expect to receive the Courier every Friday.

• On the top of the page, you will find ADA and Translation features. To translate, click on the Translate button and choose your desired language.
• En la parte superior de la página, encontrará funciones de ADA y traducción. Para traducir, haga clic en el botón Traducir y elija el idioma que desee.
• Dusha sare ee bogga, waxaad ka heli doontaa ADA iyo sifooyinka Turjumaada. Si aad u turjunto, dhagsii badhanka Turjumka oo dooro luqadda aad rabto.
  
• В верхней части страницы вы найдете функции ADA и перевода. Для перевода нажмите кнопку «Перевести» и выберите нужный язык.
  
• د پاڼې په سر کې، تاسو به د ADA او ژباړې ځانګړتیاوې ومومئ. د ژباړې لپاره، د ژباړې تڼۍ باندې کلیک وکړئ او د خپلې خوښې ژبه غوره کړئ.
  
• در بالای صفحه، شما ویژگی های ADA و ترجمه را پیدا کنید. برای ترجمه، روی دکمه ترجمه کلیک کنید و زبان مورد نظر خود را انتخاب کنید.
  

There is no school next week Thursday, Oct. 3, in recognition of religious observances. We look forward to seeing students on Friday, Oct. 4.

The Family Engagement Plan (FEP) outlines Kenwood's goals for creating and maintaining a respectful partnership between our school, parents, and community to help each student reach their highest potential. The FEP is updated annually based on family feedback, which provides an opportunity to ensure that our family engagement efforts are responsive to our community. The 2024-25 FEP will be shared on our school website by Friday, Nov. 1.

We'd love to include your feedback and suggestions in the 2024-25 FEP! Please see below to take the Family Engagement Survey:

• English: https://forms.gle/XLVS3gDH1BjayPGS7
• Spanish: https://forms.gle/mGWmec4nMPTtD48R6

As you may know, there are increased cases of measles in the metro area. Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness. Health services and the district are monitoring this closely. Please click here for more information: https://www.mpschools.org/departments/student-support-services/health/measles-information.

Kenwood Elementary needs both Lunchroom and Recess volunteers (you can do one, the other, or both!). It’s easy, low-commitment, and fun. They’re both an amazing way to see the kids in action. Sign up here in the Google Sheet (recess schedule is on the 2nd tab). Reach out to parent volunteer Kelly Henry at kellybhenry@gmail.com with any questions.

We have A LOT of open volunteer slots, please help us fill up the volunteer slots!

The next PTA meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Kenwood Media Center. All Kenwood caregivers are invited to join whether you would like to help, chime in, or just listen! Childcare provided for potty-trained children and older. If you can't make it in person, there is an option to join remotely: https://meet.google.com/drj-qpeh-ebc.

Check out the Metro Brass Quintet on Oct. 2 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at W. Franklin Ave and Penn Ave (picnic tables). BYO seats. All donations benefit our new outdoor classroom!

Make a tax-deductible donation here. Venmo/check accepted on site. Thanks for your support!

Reminder that there is no chess next week Friday. In addition, chess club will not meet on the following Fridays: Oct. 18; Nov. 1; Nov. 29; Dec. 13. Chess club will meet on Dec. 20.

Kenwood families are invited to help harvest pumpkins on Sunday, Oct. 6 anytime between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. as a fun family get-together at the Young-Walser Farm. Bob and Julie grow food on their farm for the sole purpose of donating fresh foods to local food shelves and generously allow Kenwood School space for our pumpkins. Bring your own picnic lunch, and enjoy some fresh air and community, harvesting, cleaning, and transporting pumpkins back to Minneapolis.

Please note that transportation is not provided.

Kenwood's annual Fall Festival will take place on the playground on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 4:15 to 6 p.m. Fall Festival is a wonderful time to gather with our school community. PTA provides dinner for everyone and children can select a pumpkin from our playground pumpkin patch!

PTA is pleased to announce that flu vaccines (both flu shots and FluMist) will be available for caretakers, staff, and children (6 months of age and older) at the Fall Festival. The vaccines will be administered by trained nurses from Homeland Health. This service is optional and free to families, but please bring a health insurance card if you have one. The PTA will cover those without insurance, and Homeland Health staff can help you apply for a vaccine assistance program. Please contact Meg (megan.j.montgomery@gmail.com or 919-423-2409) with questions.

We hope to see all of you there! If you need transportation, please call the main office at 612-668-2760 or email Family Liaison Keri Mabry by Wednesday, Oct. 9.

Many hands make light work! Please consider volunteering to help make this event a success. Scan the QR code or sign up here.

Strap on your helmet and lace up your shoes: National Bike, Walk & Roll to School Day is Wednesday, Oct. 9! We live in one of the most walkable and bikable cities in the entire country, and our students deserve full access. Bike, Walk & Roll to School Day invites participants to celebrate the joy of active commuting while building a sense of community and school spirit. Kenwood students who bike, walk, or roll to school that day can receive stickers and/or a commemorative keychain while supplies last.

Kenwood will participate in Students Voting, a mock election sponsored by the MN Office of the Secretary of State. Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day, but it's a no school day for students (teacher record-keeping day). Our students will vote on Monday, Nov. 4.

We're seeking parent/caregiver volunteers to help us prepare, set up voting booths, and bring this critical aspect of our democracy to life at Kenwood. If interested, please email Family Liaison Keri Mabry.

Kenwood was selected by MPS CWS to participate in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, a federal grant program that provides a fresh fruit or vegetable sample in classrooms to students. It's a great way to get students excited about eating healthy and trying new foods. This snack program will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and occur every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Kenwood's monthly Family Spotlight celebrates the diverse tapestry of families who make our school such a special place. Your narrative is an essential piece of our collective mosaic, and as such, we're eager for your family (or a family you know!) to be featured in the Courier. Don't worry about having to write anything; we'll reach out to help craft your family's story. If you're interested in being featured or would like to nominate a family, please email Family Liaison Keri Mabry. Thanks!

Bean & Cheese Pupusa

Bagel Yogurt Pack

• Served with Salsa Roja, Curtido, Seasoned Country Blend

Honey Chipotle Fish Sandwich

Black Bean Burger

Roast Turkey and Cheddar on Flatbread

• Served with Mixed Vegetable Blend

Chicken with Waffles

Soy Nuggets with Waffles

Smoked Turkey and Swiss on Pullman

• Served with Syrup, Diced Seasoned Potatoes

No School

Beef Pepperoni Pizza

Cheese Pizza

Turkey Bologna & Cheddar on a Bun

Get ready for an action-packed day at Trucksploration, a FREE and family-friendly Big Rig Vehicle Fair! Southwest Community Education is coming to the Lake Harriet Upper School yard on Sept. 28 from 12–3 p.m. Enjoy food, raffles, a dunk tank, and free fire helmets for the first 150 kids. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Join thousands of your friends and neighbors at the annual North Loop Food Truck Fair on Sep. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. With 30+ food trucks and live entertainment, this is the North Loop’s premier event of the year. FREE admission means everyone is welcome to enjoy the festivities. Come hungry, stay for the fun, and make it a day to remember!

Join us at Green Central Elementary to celebrate Latin Heritage Month on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy food trucks, cultural performances, mural creation, music and more fun activities for kids. This event is FREE for the whole family!

Join us for a season full of fun, family-friendly activities at Pahl’s Market Fall Festival! Running from Sep. 21-Oct. 31, this festival is packed with games and entertainment the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re testing your luck in the "Guess the Pumpkin Weight" contest, enjoying Story Time, or jumping in the Bouncy Pumpkin, you’re sure to create lasting memories.

No School? No worries! Textile Center has activities for you! Learn a variety of fiber art techniques to stave off boredom by creating your own hand-stitched game or fidget. Create tactile versions of classics like checkers or chess as well as sensory satisfying fidgets like marble maze, zippers, and clickable clasps. Join us for a single day, or for multiple days:

• Future Fiber Artists: Analog Games, Puzzles, and Fidgets on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
• Future Fiber Artists: Analog Games, Puzzles, and Fidgets on Thursday, October 17, 2024
• Future Fiber Artists: Analog Games, Puzzles, and Fidgets on Friday, October 18, 2024

Open to youth crafters ages 7-12 years.

More info about the MEA camps and Textile Center's youth and family classes can be found on their website: https://textilecentermn.org/youth-family-classes.

Chefs from France, French-speaking countries, and the U.S. use French techniques, traditional recipes, and unique teaching styles to bring the flavors of France and la Francophonie to AFMSP! Classes are available for children (ages 6-12) and adults. For more information, click here.

CFPA is pleased to offer 4 classes this fall for youth ages 7-14: Creative Ballet; Afro-Cont-Igbo; Yoga; and Capoeira.

For details and registration information, please click here. Scholarships are available for each of these classes. To complete the scholarship application form, please click here.

We’re excited to announce that our fall classes are officially open for registration! Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned artist, or want to bond with your family through artistic exploration, our classes offer a safe space to learn new skills, challenge yourself, and find joy in the creative process. Classes are accessible for all ages and skill levels. To learn more, download the attached flyer or visit the Articulture website.

Minneapolis Hockey is hosting Try Hockey For Free (THFF) events this fall. These events are geared at kids ages 4-8 who are interested in learning more about hockey. BYO skates, helmet, and stick if you can. No equipment? No problem! We have plenty you can borrow and skates you can rent.

See sign-up links and the flyers below for more information:

• GIRLS ONLY: Sunday, Oct. 6, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Sign up here.
• ALL YOUTH (for all kids): Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Sign up here.
  

This program provides fun opportunities to involve more kids in nature and outdoor activities, including free events monthly for all kids grades 2-5. Events take place on the first Saturday of the month. Snacks are provided! Visit their website for more details and click here to register.

The newly named Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Loopet Loppet will maintain our marque 6-hour or 12-hour events from previous years and help you connect you with the earth in new ways. Come solo or as a team of 4 to run or walk as many 5-mile loops as possible. We’ll also have a Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Little Loopet for kids to walk, run, and romp! This year, we’re also excited to be adding a new Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ 5k Fun Run. This untimed event is perfect for running or walking along the creek, either solo or with friends.

All events will start and finish at the Trailhead, where we’ll have an Indigenous People’s festival for everyone to enjoy. It will feature Native vendors, chefs, running groups, artists, storytellers, and community partners. Take part in sharing Dakota traditions through education, crafts and games.

Learn more on the website and register here.

Email: keri.mabry@mpls.k12.mn.us

Website: https://kenwood.mpschools.org

Location: 2013 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Phone: 612-668-2760